Iceland and British Isles cruise

Itinerary

Make sure there is sufficient timeto explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík's regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.

Kayaking with Expedition team

Optional

Ten million Atlantic puffins make Heimaey, a 13-square-km island in the Westman Islands off southern Iceland, the largest puffin colony in the world from mid-April until the beginning of August. Despite a population of 4,000 people, puffins have even been spotted in the town of Vestmannaeyjar. The fascinating Eldheimar museum charts the story of the town’s devastation by lava from the Eldfell volcano in 1973. Nearby is Vestmannaeyjar Bird Cliff.

Caves & Islands RIB Safari

Optional

02 h 00 m

Cruise at high speeds, exploring caves and possibly spotting wildlife like orcas, dolphins, seals, puffins, and fulmars
Visit the Ægir cave, known for its basalt columns, and the Klettahellir cave with excellent acoustics
Learn about unusual rock formations shaped by the sea and volcanic activity over the years

With Viking-era origins, Djupivogur, a tranquil fishing village with fewer than 500 residents, is renowned for its unhurried pace of life and the art installation 'The Eggs at Merry Bay,' featuring 34 granite eggs representing local bird species. Nearby, Vatnajökull National Park, covering 14 percent of Iceland, offers a wild expanse with Europe's largest ice cap, Vatnajökull Glacier, thundering glacial rivers and active volcanoes.

Cultural Walk in Djúpivogur

Included

02 h 00 m

Glimpse geological marvels such as a massive agate, quartz and zeolite boulder at Audun’s Stone and Mineral Collection
Let your imagination soar as you discuss the symbolism behind the intriguing “Eggs” sculpture with your guide
Uncover the hidden story behind the repurposed tank and marvel at the ingenuity that has transformed it

4x4 The Valley of Waterfalls

Optional

04 h 30 m

Enjoy an off-the-beaten tracks tour to discover many of the hidden gems of East Iceland
Experience Icelandic culture and history firsthand as you visit an abandoned farm and learn about traditional farming practices
Traverse rugged terrain and marvel at Iceland’s rugged yet exceptionally beautiful landscape

Cut adrift in the Atlantic, between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroes are a self-governing archipelago in the Kingdom of Denmark. On the southern tip of Streymoy, the largest of the 18 islands, the lively little capital of Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbour) charms with its rainbow-hued clapboard warehouses, grass-roofed wooden churches and the quaint old quarter, Tinganes. Off the radar for many, the Faroes are fast becoming known for their scenery.

Panorama Streymoy

Included

01 h 50 m

Learn about the amazing history of the area and listen to delightful stories
The landscape and views of this region are simply magnificent and the viewpoints allow for some great photo opportunities

RIB Boat tour from Torshavn

Optional

02 h 30 m

Embark on an exhilarating RIB boat tour departing from Torshavn, bound for the enchanting island of Hestur
Venture into the mystical caves of Álvagjógv and Klæmintsgjógv, offering a glimpse into their captivating depths (weather permitting)

Streymoy Mountain Hike

Optional

04 h 15 m

An intriguing exploration of the Faroe Islands' volcanic layer-cake geology offers captivating insights into its geological wonders.
Enjoy breathtaking vistas at an elevation of 280 meters above sea level, surrounded by miniature tarns and rugged outcroppings, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty.

Tvøroyri is the main port of Suðuroy, the southernmost of the Faroe Islands, founded in 1836. Once one of the largest towns and a key fishing hub, it now hosts a village museum, an art gallery, and the cultural centre SALT. Nearby, Hvannhagi, with its unique geological landscape and diverse flora, is considered ideal for a national park. Suðuroy, the only Faroese island with coal deposits, also offers tours of a working mine.

Nearer Norway than the Scottish mainland, the solid, stone-built town of Lerwick is the capital and only town of the Shetland Islands, a subarctic Scottish archipelago with Viking roots. The port has a Dutch flair with 17th-century Fort Charlotte. In the island's south, Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement reveals an exceptional archaeological site spanning 5,000 years of history. Around 1,500 tiny Shetland ponies roam freely on the islands.

Jarlshof and Sumburgh Head Bird Cliffs

Included

04 h 30 m

Explore Jarlshof, an archaeological site showcasing 5,000 years of history, from Neolithic dwellings to a 16th-century laird's house
Discover the RSPB Reserve at Sumburgh Head, home to Shetland's first lighthouse and a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots and fulmars
Enjoy views of Mousa Broch, the world's tallest and best-preserved broch, and St. Ninian's Isle, renowned for its 9th-century Pictish silver hoard

Meet the Locals in Western Shetland

Optional

04 h 00 m

Gain insights into the history and significance of Shetland's fishing industry from a local fisher
Get introduced to the famous wooly Shetland Ponies and learn about the history and characteristics of this small and hardy breed
Visit a Shetland Jewellery workshop and see the intricate craftsmanship behind handcrafted jewellery with Celtic and Viking designs

Ramshackle Stromness is an 18th century stone seaport, barely changed since Captain Cook's ships stopped in 1780. The Pier Arts Centre housing modern art is often described as a "little seaside Tate". Just 12 km north, prehistoric Skara Brae is Northern Europe's best preserved Neolithic village, predating Stonehenge and the Giza pyramids

Orkney Treasures

Included

03 h 15 m

Witness the grandeur of the Ring of Brodgar, a colossal ceremonial stone circle that has stood for almost 5000 years
Visit the 5000-year-old village of Skara Brae which offers a glimpse into the dwellings that were hidden beneath sand dunes until storms unveiled them only 150 years ago
Your last stop is the Skaill House, the finest manor in Orkney built in 1620 by Bishop George Graham

Sea-Faring Stromness - walking tour

Optional

02 h 30 m

Take a stroll around Stromness old town
Stop at Logins Well , here ships from the Hudson's Bay Company drew their final stores of water from this well for more than two hundred years before setting course across the Atlantic
Enjoy the sea view from the top of the hill by the cannons between two benches. The cannons come from an American Privateer, The Liberty, which was captured in 1813

Kirkwall Highlights from Stromness

Optional

03 h 00 m

Tour of the magnificent St Magnus Cathedral
Scenic drive along the coast with stunning views over Scapa Flow
Explore the charming town of Kirkwall, Orkney's capital

Portree is the largest town, capital and gateway to the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides. fringed by cliffs, Portree's harbour, with a pier designed by engineer Thomas Telford, is surrounded by colourful homes and is best photographed from the viewpoint next to the Royal Hotel. Popular as a base for hiking, to the north is the Old Man of Storr, a rocky pinnacle popular with hikers.

Northern Scenic Drive

Optional

03 h 30 m

Enter the Trotternish Peninsula to experience its uniquely rocky environment
Pass by the crofting township of Staffin which looks out over the vast Staffin Bay
Dig deep into the island’s rich crofting history while exploring the museum with your expert guide

The Old Man of Storr Hike

Optional

03 h 30 m

Enjoy the walk to the pinnacle of “Old Man of Storr”
Keep your camera ready for shots of the phenomenal vistas
Take some time to speak with your guide about the unique geography of the region

One of Britain’s most beautiful stretches of water, The Sound of Mull, between Mull and the Scottish mainland, is a dreamlike destination with ancient fortifications, beaches and cliffs always on view. The waterway takes in distant peaks often wreathed in mist. Three lighthouses stand guard, while a number of wrecks sit below on the seabed.

Nestled on Loch Linnhe's shores, Fort William is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife spotting such as seals in Loch Linnhe and the gateway to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, nearby. The Cromwell-built fort of 1654 survived a Jacobite siege in 1746. A plinth at its remnants marks the start of the 73-mile "Great Glen Way." The town's history is featured at the West Highland Museum, and the Ben Nevis Distillery is renowned for its whisky.

This small town is the gateway to one of Northern Ireland’s most popular destinations - the Causeway Coast with clifftop walks and beaches. Top of the bill is UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway with its 40,000 basalt formations. The crashing Atlantic on one side, towering cliffs the other, it is Northern Ireland’s number-one attraction, leaving the question: is this prehistoric volcanic activity or the handiwork of two legendary Celtic giants?

Antrim Coast & Giant's Causeway

Included

04 h 00 m

Listen to tales of early Christians and Vikings who were drawn to Dunluce Castle's historic site
Explore the castle's intricate details fortified during the 16th and 17th centuries
Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site, Giant's Causeway, for stunning views of the North Antrim Coast

Mussenden Temple & Downhill Demesne

Optional

03 h 30 m

Explore breathtaking views from Downhill Demesne, a ruined estate on the windswept cliffs of Northern Ireland's North Coast
Explore breathtaking views from Downhill Demesne, a ruined estate on the windswept cliffs of Northern Ireland's North Coast
Marvel at the awe-inspiring Mussenden Temple, perched on the cliff's edge and modelled after the Temple of Vesta in Italy

Set in the middle of the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man is a self-governing kingdom designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. Horse-drawn trams run along the seafront promenade and nearby is the Manx Museum, home to an extensive collection of artefacts documenting the history of the island. The ruined 11th-century Peel Castle is located on the island’s west coast. Renowned for the T.T. Motorbike Races, the north hosts the Isle of Man Motor Museum.

Peel, The Age of Man

Optional

04 h 00 m

Get to know the story of the islands mythological sea god, Manannan
Wander around the picturesque seafront as your guide tells you the many stories held within the ancient castle walls
Learn about the Manx and Norwegian crew that sailed aboard the Gokstd ship from Trondheim to Peel

Scenic Isle of Man

Included

04 h 00 m

Embark on a scenic ride along the island’s west coast to see why Peel is affectionately known as the ‘Sunset City’
See the magnificent medieval Castle Rushen and the remnants of Peel Castle while learning of their history
Pay a visit to one of the island’s most significant ceremonious landmarks and a symbol to their independence, Tynwald Hill

Your cruise comes to an end today in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland’s capital. It’s at times gritty and in places, gorgeous – Georgian squares, hidden parks and tree-lined canals. It’s lively, complex, cosmopolitan and eminently walkable. So bid farewell to Vega and start exploring, if time allows before your flight home. Come full circle and visit The Long Room in the Old Library in stately Trinity College to inspect the Book of Kells, which was produced on Iona. The Long Room itself is much lauded for its beauty – it’s a stunning, two-storey, barrel-vaulted space that houses 200,000 of Trinity’s oldest books and manuscripts. Elsewhere the new Museum of Literature Ireland, the National Museum of Ireland, Christ Church and St Patrick’s Cathedrals, the Guinness Storehouse, Kilmainham Gaol, Glasnevin Cemetery entice visitors – just be sure to stop into a snug somewhere for a pint.

This itinerary provides general information about each destination. Also, please be aware that some of the venues and highlights mentioned may not be open or accessible on the day we visit. For the most accurate tour program, we recommend contacting your Swan Hellenic agent or travel agent closer to your departure date.

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YOUR SUITE TYPE

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Oceanview D4

20 m²

Oceanview Staterooms measure 20m²(215ft²) and can accommodate two guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Oceanview M4

20 m²

Balcony D5

25 m²

Balcony Staterooms measure 25m² (269ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature two single beds or a double bed, bedroom with living room area, a flame-effect fireplace and a luxurious bathroom.

Balcony M5

25 m²

Balcony D6

25 m²

Junior Suite

32 m²

Junior Suites measure 32-36m² (344-388ft²) – including a 6m² (65ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, have a separate living room area, and luxurious en-suite bathroom.

Suite

41 m²

Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including a 5m² (54ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two or three guests. They feature a king size bed, and have a separate living room, with a flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom with separate bath tub and a walk-in shower.

Premium Suite

41 m²

Premium Suites measure 41m² (441ft²) – including 8m² (86ft²) private balcony – and can accommodate two guests. They feature a king size bed, separate living room, and flame-effect fireplace. There’s also a luxurious ensuite bathroom – with separate bath tub and shower – and a walk-in wardrobe.